w/Jenni Tooley

Thanks to our supporters, we’re back with more from MrJames Workshop! In our last encounter, we introduced Dalton (Mr. James to you) and took a trip down memory lane. Today, we will pick up where we left off with the introduction of MrJames newest endeavor, Queer Cosmic Folk Art, more specifically, The Billies! (Now on tour in Eureka Springs).You’ll get the most out of the experience by listening to the podcast audio while following along with the text and images. If you can’t listen to the episode, check out the audio transcript- it’s messy but full of amazing insights and stories! I’ve included the timecodes from the audio in this email so you can easily reference what I’m talking about:)

Here we go!

The Billies- 10 years in the making (Timecode 31:31)

Billy started out as a literal doodle. I was in New York and I was in Brooklyn at jury duty. It was the most awful boring thing I could imagine, so I just started sketching this little face and I just kept drawing and drawing it. I showed it to Brian and he thought it was funny and kept encouraging me to do it.

And then I worked on it for, I'd say 10-12 years just trying to find this little weird little face.

Can you image working on something for ten years? …now that I think about it, it took me 20 to make my feature film, STUCK, so maybe I can! That’s a testament to what some long term one-day-at-a-time thinking can produce in your life:)

”They all represent everyone in my mythology.Once I developed the original Billy, Billy B, he felt so lonely.I wanted to make him a family so, I did.…the naming convention, I wanted to pull from my roots in Texas…”

You can bring a Billy home, just head on over to www.mrjamesworkshop.com and purchase online. Dalton also takes commissions!

”THE ARCHETYPES” (38:04 Timecode)

Feeling alone because you can’t find yourself in the mythologies that guide how we fit into culture? Follow Dalton’s lead and build your own!

It's what we were talking about earlier about trying to find yourself in the world.For the longest time, I just gave up trying to find the story that seems so familiar that I could...I don't know… a path that I could follow or a direction that I go like, “oh, I can just go do this, because it's already there.

I've tried to do that so many times and it never worked.And so I was like, “well, I guess I'll just make my own.”

“I started with the hero because, I mean, you have to be the hero of your own story, right?”The hero is the creator that's how he becomes the hero. He finds that notion of everything you ever needed is right there inside and it contains everything. You already know everything you need to know.

In this section we also cover:

* Jenni’s having died multiple times over her lifetime

* Keep the faith, you’re on a spirit quest

* The Queen of Sleep and Melancholia (“This one character who disguises themselves to look like all the other archetypes. So that the voices that you hear from her sound like other archetypes telling you it's never going to work out.”)

* Core Beliefs, The 3A’s, and how Jenni deals with her “taskmaster”

* How two very different people with very different experiences can be on parallel paths and so much more!

The Two Daltons (60:08 Time Code)

I asked Dalton to send me his bio pic- I was surprised at what I received- so I straight up asked about why he sent me a photo of “mean Dalton”.

I think that over time- and it's something that I've realized about myself-is that I created this external…styling…as a protective mechanism, so I don't get messed with.You know, the things that run in through your head that you have to protect yourself from. I mean, I live in downtown LA and it's super f*****g scary down here.

I just wear that all the time.It's kind of a default, I guess. I don’t know if that’s good or bad. It’s just…that’s the picture.

That we live in a world where this beautiful human has to hide his natural proclivity for joy, creativity, and love saddens me. How about you?

“I would not have been able to create work of this level if it wasn't for the love I share with my husband. He has given me room, patience, and support to grow in directions that I never could have imagined.”

Dalton asked that we celebrate his influences: Charles Schulz, Mary Blair, Takashi Murakami, Yoshitomo Nara, Keith Haring, and Robert Rauschenberg (another queer artist from Port Arthur, TX)

Wrapping it up…for now.

I’m so happy that I had a chance to reacquaint myself with a friend/collaborator of over 30 years. I love sitting down and talking to people. Everyone has a story- let’s face it- everyone has a whole crapload of them! I find that sharing stories with one another is a great way to realize that we are not alone in whatever it is we are going through and that our diversity of experiences and influences doesn’t have to separate or isolate us, in fact, they can connect us in ways we couldn’t have imagined.

There’s more to come….we haven’t even gotten to his video art!

Where you can find Mr. James

Website: MrJamesWorkshop.comInstagram: @mrjamesworkshopBluesky: @mrjamesworkshop

Contact: [email protected] TAGS: #queercosmicfolkart, #popart, #losangelesart, #westhollywoodart, #mrjamesworkshop, #mrjamesworkshopshow

Until next time- love ya lots!Jenni

Jenni Tooley Presents is a grass roots-supported endeavor. Consider becoming a free or paid subscriber to support the work and keep it accessible to all regardless of their financial situation.

Hi Darlin! Welcome to our first episode of “in the heartlight”- an in-depth multimedia interview series! You’ll get the most out of the experience by listening to the podcast audio while following along with the text and images. If you can’t listen to the episode, check out the audio transcript- it’s messy but full of amazing insights and stories!

We begin the series with my longtime friend and collaborator, Mr James-known to me as…Dalton.

Mr. James (known by me as Dalton) is a Los Angeles-based artist and cosmic raconteur, spinning vivid stories from the unanswered questions of childhood. Through painting and video, he transforms these mysteries into primary color-soaked, mytho-psychological pop fairy tales. His work, rooted in character as mythology, draws from pop and folk art traditions, with echoes of his years in NYC’s fashion world. At its core, his art is an homage to life in motion—ever-evolving, ever-becoming.

First, a trip down memory lane (1990-2002)(corresponds with minute 02:07 in the podcast audio/transcript)

“Dalton: One of the very first shows I did in Dallas as a performance artist…It was when I met you, and that was so long ago. And yet it was such a beautiful experience. I think we were both doing pieces that we felt so great about. And it was such a beautiful way to get introduced to you, your work, and for me to introduce my work and myself to you as wellJenni: That would have been at UTD. Was that “Piecing the Quilt?”

Dalton: That was Piecing the Quilt.

Jenni: Holy crap. I didn't even remember that one. I hadn’t gotten that far back!”

“Jenni: I don’t think it was the next thing we did together, but it was one of my dad's most unfavorite plays I was in…the Tennessee Williams play…warning signs

Dalton: Oh god, “Small Craft Warnings”. Yes. The other day I was looking for a voice to do and I was looking at Tennessee Williams and he was interviewing with Dick Cavett- I think he’s drunk- but he's talking about Small Craft Warnings. Yeah, it's fascinating. They don't talk much about the play because they couldn't- but it's a really funny interview…speaking of things that that maybe you didn't want to invite your parents to I remember having to stuff my pants for that show…”

“Dalton: Good lord. Time is... Yeah, I did my one-man show in 2002. That was my last time on stage with... now I can't think of the name… Stag. My one-man extravaganza.

Jenni: Oh, I didn't see that because I was in New York by then.”

Winding our way through the streets of New York City, finding your truth and how artistic processes evolve. (Timecode in audio/transcript 14:05)

This portion of the interview is a whirlwind of ideas, insights, and topics, including but not limited to:

* -Texas Sheet Cakes in NYC bars

* -Employing ChatGPT as part of the artistic process-Interviewing your characters, whether in a script or a painting

* -How project management can make creative pursuits even more awesome!

Now back to NYC…

“Dalton: [In NYC] It's harder there to be heard, so my voice got super super quiet for a very long time- which was okay. I would still sketch and draw and stuff. I can't complain because I wound up doing t-shirt graphics for a living, which is a strange thing in itself and it got me into that world of what would be termed “apparel” or “fashion”, but it didn't do a lot for my genuine creative voice. Even though I got exposed to so much wonderful stuff, I just never felt, or I never took the chance, the opportunity to have that dialogue in that place.”

“Dalton:I wasn't looking for the truth as much.I wanted to be clever.I wanted to be exciting and sexy.And it wasn't as much about truth telling.And it wasn't as much about truth telling.And it wasn't about exploration of myself.

It was about trying to define myself in terms of pop culture, which was hard to do because I couldn't find myself in pop culture. So I wanted to try and somehow embed myself in pop culture, but I wasn't doing it with truth-telling in my storytelling.

So now I start with an idea that's a feeling or an expression that I would like to make. And then, put it through the business mill- you know, you have to set your deadlines, get your supplies, and run your ideas up against other people and see if you can get a little bit of feedback. Certainly, it's not going to tell you what direction to take. Thank goodness. Or, or how it's supposed to look, but you can see if it's sticking.

Your truth is sticking.”

Whew! That brings us up to date…join us next week for Part 2 where we will explore Queer Cosmic Folk Art, the mythology that Dalton has built for himself, and the evolution of the Billies!Until then, travel to Eureka Springs for the “Meet the Billies Tour”. Can’t make the physical trip? Take a virtual trip to

MrJamesWorkshop.combluesky: Dalton Jamesinstagram: Dalton JamesContact: [email protected]

See you next week!Lotsa love, Jenni

Jenni Tooley Presents is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

PS: There’s a lot of material to cover, so I have written up multiple posts (you just read Part 1). However, I didn’t want to tear the podcast episode into pieces, so I chose to include it in its entirety with every post, no matter which Part you are reading.

Some days are better than others. Some parts of the day are better than others. The good news is this too shall pass.

In this episode of the Cancer Chronicles, I’m talking about what it’s like to have a crappy day while on chemo, the endurance required to get through the end of the entire chemo protocol, and how knowing that the mantra “too shall pass” can get me through one day at a time.

If you've been following my journey, you know it’s not just about the treatments; it’s finding joy in the small things, like great food, simple moments of laughter, and the people who show up along the way. The Cancer Chronicles is for anyone dealing with difficulties and life-altering challenges. It’s the push you need to give yourself the grace to take things one day at a time and to enjoy the process.

If this episode helped you, or if you just want to hear more, don’t forget to visit jennitooley.com for more updates and ways to support the podcast. You can also check out the Jenni Tooley Presents community on Substack to stay connected and find out how you can get involved. Your support makes all the difference!

Thank you for journeying with me. Remember, you’re not alone! Love ya!

My goal is to keep Jenni Tooley Presents accessible to anyone regardless of their financial situation. You can support the mission by dropping a tip in the jar or becoming a paid subscriber!

Credits:Special thanks to LEV in the Wild for the beautiful song "XYZ," courtesy of Holly Ragland. You can enjoy more of LEV's music at levinthewild.bandcamp.com.

A huge shoutout to Bruce Richardson, our amazing sound designer, for creating the intro and outro bumpers.

And a heartfelt thank you to Prettie Philippa, our wonderful podcast manager, for keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes.

Thanks to Dalton James of Mr. James Workshop for providing us with amazing graphic design and branding.

Also, thank you to Willy, Ryan, Peggy, Daniel, Megan, Nancy, Pam, Carol, Patricia, Linda, Jenny, Tess, and Tom for supporting the podcast on Substack. You’ve made it possible to produce and share these episodes!

Connect with me:Instagram: Jenni TooleyFacebook: Jenni TooleyWebsite: Jennitooley.com

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered or used as medical or legal advice.

Sometimes life doesn’t go as planned, and that’s okay. What if instead of pushing against the flow, we embrace the change?

Welcome back to Confessions of an Aging Ingénue! I’m your host, Jenni Tooley. This episode is a quick catch-up, as we dive into the real-life struggles of navigating cancer treatment while still trying to enjoy life’s little pleasures.

I misplaced my glasses only to find them in the most unexpected place and it served as a reminder of how unpredictable life can be, especially when you’re dealing with the mental fog of chemo brain combined with menopause.

That’s exactly what I’ve been learning as I shift from the person I used to be to who I’m becoming now. Whether it’s learning to accept my limitations or simply following my intuition, I’ve discovered new ways to thrive—without forcing things.

For example, I started making upcycled baskets and holiday packages with things I found at thrift stores, even from boxes left out on the street. Stores in town loved them! It’s also fun for me and an excellenr reminder that I can still contribute in ways that bring joy to others—even if they’re small things.

This has all been part of a journey of acceptance. At first, it can feel like we’re letting go of something, like the activities we once enjoyed. But acceptance is powerful; it allows room for something new to unfold. And you know what? It’s okay to grieve what we’ve lost, but let’s also start looking for what still brings us joy. Sometimes it’s just about doing something fun and unexpected.

I have discovered that every time I stopped trying to control the outcome and simply followed the flow, good things happened.

Through my journey with cancer, I’ve made so much self-discovery, uncovering strength I never knew I had, learning to embrace vulnerability, and finding a deeper appreciation for the small, beautiful moments in life. The kindness and connections I’ve experienced have reminded me that thriving isn’t always about big achievements or plans; sometimes it’s showing up and allowing life to unfold naturally.

This is what thriving looks like for me now. Not doing it all or having everything figured out but embracing the little moments, staying open, and trusting that what’s meant for me will come in its own time.

If you've been following my journey, you know it’s not just about the treatments; it’s finding joy in the small things, like great food, simple moments of laughter, and the people who show up along the way. The Cancer Chronicles is for anyone dealing with difficulties and life-altering challenges. It’s the push you need to give yourself the grace to take things one day at a time and to enjoy the process.

If this episode helped you, or if you just want to hear more, don’t forget to visit jennitooley.com for more updates and ways to support the podcast. You can also check out the Jenni Tooley Presents community on Substack to stay connected and find out how you can get involved. Your support makes all the difference!

Thank you for journeying with me. Remember, you’re not alone in this!

Credits:Special thanks to LEV in the Wild for the beautiful song "XYZ," courtesy of Holly Ragland. You can enjoy more of LEV's music at levinthewild.bandcamp.com.

A huge shoutout to Bruce Richardson, our amazing sound designer, for creating the intro and outro bumpers.

And a heartfelt thank you to Prettie Philippa, our wonderful podcast manager, for keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes.

Thanks to Dalton James of Mr. James Workshop for providing us with amazing graphic design and branding.Also, thank you to Peggy, Daniel, Nancy, Pam, Carol, Patricia, Linda, Jenny, Tess, and Tom for supporting the podcast on Substack. You’ve made it possible to produce and share these episodes!

Connect with me:Instagram: Jenni TooleyFacebook: Jenni TooleyWebsite: Jennitooley.com

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered or used as medical or legal advice.

Have you ever had to completely let go of your expectations and embrace the present moment, even when it feels like you're losing control?

Welcome back to Confessions of an Aging Ingénue! I’m your host, Jenni Tooley, and in this episode, I’m diving into the reality of managing expectations, both for myself and others, while navigating my cancer journey.

Cancer has a funny way of flipping the script on everything you thought you knew about your life. And today, I’m opening up about my second cycle of chemo and the intense hand-foot syndrome I’ve been dealing with. Picture your feet burning as if you've just run barefoot across hot asphalt—yep, that's what it feels like! But it's not all about the physical side of things. I’m also talking about the emotional toll of managing expectations during this process—whether it's my own expectations or those from others.

In this raw, unfiltered episode, I share how I've had to adjust my plans, let go of big events, and simply focus on healing. I’ve also learned the power of being kind to myself and accepting that rest and self-care are equally important as productivity. Through all this, I'm discovering that sometimes, not doing anything is exactly what you need to do.

Jenni Tooley Presents is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

This episode is for anyone who has ever had to reevaluate their priorities and manage their expectations—whether dealing with illness, life changes, or just trying to keep up with the world around you.

If you're struggling to give yourself permission to slow down, then this episode is definitely for you! Tune in for valuable insights on how to take it easy, trust your body, and find peace in the present.

Want to support the podcast? Visit Jennitooley.com for more goodness and to get involved. You can also find the Jenni Tooley Presents community on Substack—become a subscriber and discover exciting new content!

And as always, I want to remind you that you are loved and never alone in this journey.

Credits:

A special thanks to LEV in the Wild for the beautiful song "XYZ," courtesy of Holly Ragland. You can enjoy more of LEV's music at levinthewild.bandcamp.com.

Big shoutout to Bruce Richardson, our incredible sound designer, for crafting the intro and outro bumpers that set the tone for our episodes.

A heartfelt thank you to Prettie Philippa, our amazing podcast manager, for keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes.

Dalton James of Mr. James Workshop provided us with amazing graphic design and branding elements.

And a huge thank you to Peggy, Daniel, Nancy, Pam, Carol, Patricia, Linda, Jenny, Tess, and Tom for supporting the podcast as paid subscribers to the Substack. Your support has made it possible to produce and publish 8 episodes so far!

Connect with me:Instagram: Jenni TooleyFacebook: Jenni TooleyWebsite: Jennitooley.com

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered or used as medical or legal advice.

Have you ever had to make a choice that didn’t feel right, but you knew you had to do it anyway?

Welcome back to Confessions of an Aging Ingénue! I’m your host, Jenni Tooley, and today, I’m discussing the struggles of making tough decisions during cancer treatment (and life in general!). It’s not always about what feels good—it’s about what’s necessary.

So, here’s the deal—yesterday was a big day for me: I had my first IV drip chemo infusion. And let me tell you, the emotional rollercoaster leading up to it was wild. I didn’t want to go, I was scared, and I was torn between wanting to do everything I could to fight this cancer and just wanting to avoid the whole thing. I’m sure many of you can relate to those moments when you’re forced to push through fear because you know it’s necessary.

In this episode, I’m sharing my journey from the prep work at the doctor’s office, my internal battle about the infusion, and how it all came down to just being willing to take the next step—even when it felt uncomfortable. You’ll hear about how I navigated my emotions and why this moment marked an important step in my healing process.

If you’re facing difficult decisions or moments of doubt, this episode is here to remind you that it’s okay to feel conflicted. I hope that this encourages you to find the courage to keep moving forward. Every step counts, and sometimes just being willing to show up is the most important thing you can do.

As always, thank you for your continued support. If you want to be part of this journey with me, visit jennitooley.com to get involved. Don’t forget to check out the Jenni Tooley Presents community on Substack to support the podcast and stay updated on new content.

Credits:Special thanks to LEV in the Wild for the beautiful song "XYZ," courtesy of Holly Ragland. You can enjoy more of LEV's music at levinthewild.bandcamp.com.

A big shoutout to Bruce Richardson, our incredible sound designer, for crafting the intro and outro bumpers that set the tone for our episodes.

And a heartfelt thank you to Prettie Philippa, our amazing podcast manager, for keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes.

Dalton James of Mr. James Workshop for providing us with amazing graphic design and branding elements.

And Peggy, Daniel, Nancy, Pam, Carol, Patricia, Linda, Jenny, Tess, and Tom for becoming paid subscribers to the Substack. You’ve given us the ability to produce and publish 8 episodes so far!

Thank you for tuning in, and I’ll catch you in the next episode!

Connect with me:Instagram: Jenni TooleyFacebook: Jenni TooleyWebsite: Jennitooley.com

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered or used as medical or legal advice.

Have You Ever Taken a Break That Wasn’t Really a Break?

Welcome back to the Confessions of an Aging Ingénue! I’m your host, Jenni Tooley, and we’re diving into the highs, lows, and downright unexpected moments of my cancer journey in Season 3: The Cancer Chronicles.

As you know, I’ve got cancer. And I’m bringing you along for the ride, sharing my raw, unfiltered experiences, including the good, the bad, and yes, even the rectal humor.

In today’s episode, I reflect on my so-called two-week "break" after six intense weeks of radiation and chemo pills. Spoiler: it wasn’t much of a break! I was navigating ongoing side effects like fatigue, burns, and even unexpected challenges like urinary incontinence. So, I’m sharing how I’ve been learning to adapt and focus on healing.

Thanks for reading Jenni Tooley Presents! This post is public so feel free to share it.

What does healing look like? It’s not just rest—it's prioritizing, delegating, and letting go of things that don’t matter. I’ll share practical tips on assembling a support team, using the Buff Muff Method (yes, that’s a thing), and learning to adapt to unpredictable energy levels.

If you or someone you know is navigating treatment—or simply facing a tough season—this episode is packed with insights about prioritizing self-care, celebrating small wins, and asking + accepting help where you need it.

Want to support the podcast and discover more goodness?Visit jennitooley.com for updates and to join the conversation.Subscribe to our community on Substack for exclusive content and sneak peeks.

Until next time, remember: you are loved—never doubt it.

Jenni Tooley Presents is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Credits:Special thanks to LEV in the Wild for the beautiful song "XYZ," courtesy of Holly Ragland. Check out more of LEV's music at levinthewild.bandcamp.com.

Huge appreciation to Bruce Richardson, our sound designer, for creating those magical intros and outros.

A massive shoutout to Prettie Philippa, our incredible podcast manager, for keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes.

Thank you to Dalton James of Mr. James Workshop for his fantastic graphic design and branding skills.

And of course, our heartfelt thanks to our amazing paid subscribers on Substack: Peggy, Daniel, Nancy, Pam, Carol, Patricia, Linda, Jenny, Tess, and Tom! You’ve made this podcast possible.

Connect with me:Instagram: Jenni TooleyFacebook: Jenni TooleyWebsite: Jennitooley.com

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered or used as medical or legal advice.

Before we jump in, I want to thank Daniel and Peggy for heeding the call- they have made it possible to finish the season out with 4 more episodes! Thank you😊 Now let’s dig in!

Have you ever felt the joy of celebrating a victory, even when the battle isn’t over yet?

Welcome to Confessions of an Aging Ingénue! I’m your host, Jenni Tooley. Season 3, The Cancer Chronicles, has been an emotional journey for me, and I’m thrilled to share my unfiltered experiences with you!

So, I know I might have sounded a bit down in the last episode, but today, I’m feeling pretty up! Want to know why? Because I rang the bell today!

I just completed 28 days of combined chemo pills and radiation. That’s right—five days a week, I went to get radiation and took six chemo pills daily. And today, after my last treatment, I celebrated! I was dancing in that radiation tube, whooping it up, and let me tell you, I rang that bell like there was no tomorrow. 

Jenni Tooley Presents is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

In this episode, I’m reflecting on the significance of celebrating milestones, no matter how small they may seem. Even if you’re not at the finish line yet, it’s essential to acknowledge the steps you’ve taken along the way and it’s vital to acknowledge your victories and the progress you have made. 

I’ll share stories from my journey, the inspiring people I've met, and how embracing vulnerability has transformed my outlook. The energy in the radiation lounge is incredible—there’s a huge difference between those who celebrate and those who don’t. Trust me, every little win matters! 

This episode is for anyone who’s facing challenges, whether big or small. We all need reminders to celebrate our progress, so if you're feeling down or stuck, this episode is here to lift you up. You’ll gain insight into the power of mindset and community, and I hope to inspire you to recognize and honor your own milestones. 

Thanks for reading Jenni Tooley Presents! This post is public so feel free to share it.

If something resonated with you, please let it move from your head to your heart. It may not happen right away, but it will. You can support the podcast in all the ways you know how—visit jennitooley.com for more goodness and to get involved. 

Your support means the world. Visit the Jenni Tooley Presents community on Substack, and find out how you can support the podcast. You never know what exciting content may pop up next!

And for those who prefer one-time support over a subscription, you can contribute directly via my Tip Jar on Stripe.

Until next time, remember you are loved—never doubt it! 

Credits:Special thanks to LEV in the Wild for the beautiful song "XYZ," courtesy of Holly Ragland. You can enjoy more of LEV's music at levinthewild.bandcamp.com. 

A big shoutout to Bruce Richardson, our incredible sound designer, for crafting the intro and outro bumpers that set the tone for our episodes. 

And a heartfelt thank you to Prettie Philippa, our amazing podcast manager, for keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes. 

Dalton James of Mr James Workshop for providing us with amazing graphic design and branding elements. 

And Daniel, Peggy, Nancy, Pam, Carol, Patricia, Linda, Jenny, Tess, and Tom for becoming paid subscribers to the substack. You’ve given us the ability to produce and publish 8 episodes so far! 

Thank you for tuning in, and we’ll catch you in the next episode!

Connect with me:Instagram: Jenni TooleyFacebook: Jenni TooleyWebsite: Jennitooley.com

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered or used as medical or legal advice.

Ever have one of those days where life just knocks the wind out of you, and you wonder how you're supposed to keep going?

Welcome back, listeners! It’s Confessions of an Aging Ingenue with Jenni Tooley. As you already know, I’ve got cancer! And as always, I'm taking you on this journey with me. Sharing the good, the bad, the ugly and everything in-between – it’s raw vulnerability at its best. 

This season happens to be about my cancer journey, but don’t worry if you’re not facing the same battle—you’ll still find plenty to relate to. I’m sharing my story, along with tips and tricks that are helping me navigate this chaotic moment with as much peace and joy as possible. And yes, expect a bit of good old rectal humor along the way. 

In today’s episode, I’m feeling a little grumpy, which I think is important to share because we all have our ups and downs—whether we’re facing cancer treatment or just dealing with life’s everyday challenges.

After a tough round of radiation and chemo, I found myself grappling with some unwelcome abdominal discomfort and fatigue, leaving me questioning my energy and mental state. It’s a tough balancing act, and sometimes, it feels like the goals I’ve been visualizing and working towards are just out of reach. But amidst the chaos, I’m discovering that just because my plans aren’t coming together right now doesn’t mean they won’t happen eventually. 

This episode is perfect for anyone grappling with the uncertainties of life, be it health-related or otherwise. We’re all just trying to find our way, right?

I’ll talk about the importance of acknowledging our feelings and how sometimes the goals we’re striving for can seem far away, even if they’re still within reach. Together, we’ll explore how to hold onto hope and recognize the small victories in our lives, even when they feel overshadowed by challenges. So, tune in! 

Remember, if anything I shared today resonated with you, please take a moment to let it move from your head to your heart. You can support the podcast in all the ways you know how—visit jennitooley.com for all the goodies we have going on. 

Visit the Jenni Tooley Presents community on Substack, and find out how you can support the podcast. You never know what exciting content may pop up next!

Until next time, love ya lots!

Credits:Special thanks to LEV in the Wild for the beautiful song "XYZ," courtesy of Holly Ragland. You can enjoy more of LEV's music at levinthewild.bandcamp.com. 

A big shoutout to Bruce Richardson, our incredible sound designer, for crafting the intro and outro bumpers that set the tone for our episodes. 

And a heartfelt thank you to Prettie Philippa, our amazing podcast manager, for keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes. 

Dalton James of Mr James Workshop for providing us with amazing graphic design and branding elements. 

And Daniel, Nancy, Pam, Carol, Patricia, Linda, Jenny, Tess, and Tom for becoming paid subscribers to the substack. You’ve given us the ability to produce and publish 8 episodes so far! 

Thank you for tuning in, and we’ll catch you in the next episode!

Connect with me:Instagram: Jenni TooleyFacebook: Jenni TooleyWebsite: Jennitooley.com

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered or used as medical or legal advice.

Hi Darlin!We’ve all been through the wringer over the last few months- well, let’s be honest- not months, years- and many of us are still in it. Adding to the stress and overwhelm is that fact that we’re driving right into the storm called “The Holiday Season”.

You know the season I’m talking about. The one where you run yourself ragged trying to create the “perfect holiday experience” but find yourself, once again, in the middle of a Hallmark Christmas movie that’s been abruptly interrupted by a family drama that you could have predicted and taken actions to avoid but thought “hey, this year will be different.”

Do you feel like you’ve already given all you have and if you have to make one more decision or have one more hard conversation you’re going to scream and then go hide under the covers?

You are not alone.

When we’re physically and emotionally drained it’s easy to give in to overwhelm and confusion. It’s common to feel irritated by every little thing. And it’s hard to come at problems, plans, and relationships with a clear head.

Never fear! I’ve been there and I’m here for you! I’ve pulled two very relevant and helpful goodies for you from the Creative Life Support archives!

In July 2022,

I created a coaching video(above) on how to “Take Charge and Recharge” and a short, guided meditation (below) called “Recollecting Your Energy”. Isn’t it amazing how these practices are universal and can be applied to so many different situations? Let’s get to it!

Recollecting your energy visualization/meditation

If you feel drained, irritated, or resentful then you may be having some trouble managing your own time and energy. No judgement here—I’ve been there before many times. It’s so much easier to give other people my time and energy than it is to give it to myself. I learned a great trick that I am going to share here with you—it’s a guided visualization to help you go out and collect all of that energy that you gave away so that you have more for yourself- and more to give again!Let me know how it went and if you would like to see more tools like this shared in our community:)You are loved- never doubt it.Jenni

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